Foreign travel advice

Iceland

Safety and security

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and warnings for Iceland.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Iceland

Terrorist attacks in Iceland cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Crime levels are low but petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík. Take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You do not have to carry your passport with you, but it is sensible to keep some form of ID on you. Keep your passport somewhere safe. Make sure you have entered next of kin details on the back page.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings. Anyone caught smoking will be asked to leave and could be fined.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

It is illegal to possess even small amounts of drugs, including marijuana, in Iceland. Anyone caught can get a heavy fine and a prison sentence.

It is illegal to use or import khat in Iceland.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Iceland.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks.

You should:

Going too close to the ocean, cliff edges and hot springs are common causes of accidents in Iceland.

Hiking and mountaineering

When hiking, choose a trail suited for your level of experience. Conditions in Iceland could be different to what you’re used to.

Take enough food, equipment, clothing and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Use a map, compass, GPS and phone.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Iceland, please see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Iceland guide.

You must:

  • obey speed limits – fines for speeding are high
  • keep dipped headlights on all the time – you could get a fine if you do not
  • follow drink-drive laws – alcohol limits are much stricter than in the UK
  • use winter tyres from 1 November to 15 April – exact dates can vary

You could get a fine for using studded tyres after 15 April (20,000 krona per tyre), unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Distances between towns can be large, roads are narrow and winding, and speed limits are low. On gravel and loose surfaces reduce your speed.

Check road and weather advice from the Icelandic Road Administration. They also have information on off-road driving, which is strictly controlled.

Many highland tracks are only open for a short part of the summer. In the highlands you should use a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Drive slowly (5 to 10 kilometres per hour) when you cross rivers. River levels can change quickly, even within the same day.

The weather can change quickly. Infrequent strong winds can cause sand and ash storms. British tourists have had to pay large amounts of money to repair damage to hire cars caused by sand and ash.

Breakdown recovery costs, especially in remote areas, can be high.

Licences and permits

You need either a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a valid UK driving licence to drive in Iceland. The 1949 IDP is not accepted anymore. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. Since 2021, UK stickers have replaced GB stickers. Check the government guidance on displaying number plates for more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland.

Risks include:

  • travel delays and cancellations
  • poisonous volcanic gases
  • rock falls and landslides
  • flooding

These organisations have information on volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Iceland:

Arctic travel

Iceland is in the Arctic Circle, emergency medical assistance and search and rescue may be limited in some areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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